When NBA Coaches Were Players

Billy Donovan, head coach of the Florida Gators for 19 years, will become the next coach of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. Donovan does have a little NBA experience as a player, coming off the bench for 44 games with the 1987-88 New York Knicks. Here's a look at Donovan and the other current NBA coaches who were once players in the league.

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When NBA Coaches Were Players

Billy Donovan

Drafted in the third round (68th overall) of the 1987 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, and later waived, Donovan played just 44 games off the bench with the 1987-88 New York Knicks. After 19 years coaching the Florida Gators, the Oklahoma City Thunder hired Donovan as their next head coach for the 2015-16 season.